Imaq, a 23-year-old beluga on loan from the Vancouver Aquarium, was brought to SeaWorld San Antonio in the hopes of producing offspring.

SeaWorld San Antonio has added a 2,200-pound male beluga whale to its aquarium with the hope of increasing the species' population.

Imaq, a 23-year-old beluga on loan from the Vancouver Aquarium, arrived at the park early Sunday in a large transport tank on a flatbed truck, led by a police escort. A five-person crew, including a veterinarian and staff from SeaWorld and the whale's trainer, had accompanied the whale on the four-hour flight to San Antonio International Airport aboard a chartered A300 Airbus.

Trainers released Imaq, pronounced “E-mack,” into a pool, and after he adapted to his new surroundings, he was integrated with three female and young male belugas.

SeaWorld officials said relocating the 13-foot-long beluga is part of a SeaWorld program that works with aquariums, zoos and conservation organizations around the world.

Chris Bellows, vice president of zoological operations, said a half-dozen North American facilities have beluga whales, and that whales sometimes are moved for breeding purposes.

Talks have been going on between the Vancouver and San Antonio parks for several years about bringing Imaq here for breeding.

“It helps with genetic diversity and will hopefully make more belugas for us to have around for a long time,” Bellows said.

Bellows said spring is the breeding season and females have a gestation period of 15 -17 months, usually giving birth in June, July or August. He said they hope to see the birth of a calf in 2012. Bellows said 12 beluga births have occurred at the park, with one last summer and one the summer before.

Belugas are included in the Azul show that features dolphins and birds.

Behind-the-scenes interactive tours soon will allow park guests to get a first glimpse of Imaq. Park officials hope to transition him into programs with other animals in the near future.

Bellows said there isn't a time limit to the breeding loan. Imaq is expected to be at the park for several years and at some point could return to Vancouver or go to another facility with beluga whales.